Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics is hosting a Dodgeball Tournament to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware on Saturday, March 28, 2015 beginning at 8:00 a.m. The tournament will be held in the Caesar Rodney High School Gymnasium.

The tournament will consist of the first 36 teams to register. Each team is guaranteed to play in at least eight games. The minimum age to participate is 16 years old. Teams must consist of six players and may have two alternate players. Teams can consist of all male, female, or co-ed members. Games will be played under the rules and regulations of the National Dodgeball League. Food and refreshments will be available to purchase on site.

Reason to Dodge and Throw? Special Olympics Delaware is an organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year round sports training, athletic competition and related programs conducted for more than 3,600 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, the organization creates a model community that celebrates people’s diverse gifts. Special Olympics Delaware builds sports skills, confidence, strength, motivation and self-esteem – not just for athletes, but for everyone involved. Dodgeball Madness has raised over $57,000.00 for Special Olympics Delaware since its inception back in 2011.

The entry fee for each team member is $50.00. All team members will receive a Dodgeball Madness event t-shirt and a sandwich voucher courtesy of Camden’s local Chick-Fil-A restaurant. Deadline to register is Friday, March 13, 2015. To register for the event, please visit www.sode.org or call Special Olympics Delaware (302)-831-3482.

A story was published approximately two weeks ago about a Delaware resident who died in a medical facility and unfortunately no one came forward to claim her remains.

After reading this story some members of the Delaware State Police Honor Guard, who service funerals for fallen Troopers, retired Troopers and dignitaries, were touched and moved to do something after learning about this story. They elected to volunteer their time so that this Delaware neighbor could be laid to rest with dignity and grace.

Volunteers from the Delaware State Police Honor Guard carried her to her final resting place. These thoughtful members, who are committed to help and serve, attended a short graveside service at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2015.

On Friday January 9, 2015, Troopers and officers from Dover PD were invited to the Charles C. Carlson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover Air Force Base, by Colonel Dan Merry, AFMAO Commander, in order to recognize them for their support of the mortuary mission on “National Law Enforcement Day.” In recent years, motor officers throughout the state have escorted countless fallen service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice to their country. Colonel Merry presented a certificate of appreciation to all motor officers in attendance as well as to Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. in recognition of the support from the Delaware State Police. Troopers were also treated to a very humbling tour of the largest east coast mortuary.

We regret to inform you of the death of Retired Lt. Rodney Kennedy on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rodney’ s family and friends at this difficult time. The following obituary has been reprinted from the Crouch Funeral Home website.

Rodney E. Kennedy

Born in Elkton, MD, on December 10, 1938, he was the son of the late Earl Lee and the late Margaret (McMillan) Kennedy.

Rodney served his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He then spent his life serving the residents of the State of Maryland and Cecil County, first with the Maryland State Police for 28½ years and then as a two term Cecil County Sheriff.

Rodney enjoyed gardening, camping, the beach, Florida, golf, DIY projects and history. Most of all he enjoyed his family and friends and loved the time he spent with them.

Funeral service, conducted by Rev. Bert Jicha will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Crouch Funeral Home, P.A., 127 South Main Street, North East, MD, where the family will receive guests on Monday evening, beginning at 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until service time.

We regret to inform you of the death of Eric Donald Grimes (31), son of Retired Cpl. Albert Donald Grimes on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Grimes family and their friends at this difficult time. The following obituary information and arrangements have been reprinted from the Hartzler Funeral Home website. Condolences can be left at http://www.hartzlerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Eric-Donald-Grimes/Huntington-Beach-CA/1473050

Mr. Eric Donald Grimes, 31, of Huntington Beach, CA, died Tuesday, January 13, 2015 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Born September 27, 1983 in Westminster, he was the son of Donnie Grimes of Taneytown and Beth Bassler of New Windsor. Eric was a self-employed handyman; a member of St. Luke’s (Winters) Lutheran Church, New Windsor; member of Suicidas, the largest motorcycle group in California and the Christian group, New Life Spirit in Southern California where he was preparing to become a Christian counselor. He was a talented artist who also enjoyed surfing, snowboarding, ice hockey, and riding his bike.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by 2 brothers, Andrew Joseph Grimes and wife Joanna of Uniontown and Jesse Donald Grimes of Finksburg; 2 nieces, Arianna and Tori Grimes; maternal grandmother, Phyllis Bassler of New Windsor; paternal grandmother, Effie Grimes of New Windsor; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by grandfathers, Robert Bassler Sr. and Albert D. Grimes Sr. and great grandparents, Marie and Kenny Grimes.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24 at St. Luke’s (Winters) Lutheran Church, 701 Green Valley Rd., New Windsor, with Rev. Anne Durboraw, church pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Winters Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Hartzler Funeral Home, 310 Church St., New Windsor, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, January 23 and from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arundel House of Hope, 514 N. Crain Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 or to New Life Spirit Recovery, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

We regret to inform you of the death of Retired TFC Leonard F. Glenn, Sr. , Father of Retired TFC Leonard F. Glenn, Jr. on January 16, 2015. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Glenn family at this difficult time. Viewing and services were private but condolences can be left for the family at the Scarpelli Funeral Home website http://www.scarpellifh.com. The following obituary has been reprinted from the funeral home website.

CUMBERLAND­

Leonard F. Glenn, Sr., 82, passed away at home on Friday, January 16, 2015. Born August 19, 1932, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Lula Knisley and Leonard Glenn. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances A. (Beck) Glenn. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Mr. Glenn was a member of the 1951 graduating class of Fort Hill High School. He, as well as several members of the class, graduated early to join the US Marines due to the Korean conflict. Mr. Glenn was a proud member of the MD State Police, where he served as a TFC, from 1957 until 1984. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Ambrose Catholic Church, as well as several fraternal organizations: US Marine Corps, MD State Police, MD Troopers Association, MD State Police Alumni Association Inc., FOP Lodge 40, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Ft. Cumberland Post 13 American Legion, Former Member of the Christopher Bowling League, Life Member of the The Goodfellowship Club #697, and the Knights of Columbus Cumberland Council #586.

At his request, a private viewing for immediate family will be held at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., after which his remains will be cremated. Elder Michael Mudge will conduct a memorial service for family at a later date.

The family would like to thank the Cresaptown Rescue Squad and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department for their professional services at the residence. Condolences may be left at www.scarpellifh.com.

Come out and show support for all Law Enforcement Officers across Delaware and show thanks for the job they do. In addition to a show of support, organizers want the rally to be a family event – not just for families who attend, but for family of police. During the event, officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty will be honored.

January 15, 2015, from 5 to 7 pm at Rodney Square in Wilmington, Delaware

It is with a heavy heart that I announce I am leaving the Maryland State Police. I am resigning as Superintendent, effective January 19, 2015. Having the opportunity to work with so many outstanding Troopers has been the highlight of my time as Superintendent. Each one of you has demonstrated time and time again what it means to be a public servant. I am in awe of the successes you have achieved. Of all the successes, nothing has been more impressive than the work you have done with our local and federal partners to make all Maryland communities safer. Over the past four years, you have helped reduce violent and property crime to historic lows. Homicides across the state are lower than they have been in three decades. More lives were saved on our highways during this period than ever before. If making communities safer and saving lives is our ultimate goal, which it is, your success is unprecedented.

As a Department, we have worked together to accomplish significant changes that have made us more effective. We created the Special Operations Bureau, reorganized and re-prioritized the Criminal Enforcement Bureau, transitioned to a new fleet of helicopters, implemented new radio and CAD/RMS systems, obtained new weapons and a funding plan for new vehicles, achieved national accreditation, deployed the SPIDRE Team, and the list goes on and on.

For me personally, I feel honored to have served with each one of you. You taught me what it means to be a Trooper. You motivated me to work harder. The example you set inspired me to be a better person. You are all leaders. As long as you put the organization and the communities you serve first, the Maryland State Police will continue to thrive.

It has been an honor to be considered part of “Maryland’s Finest.”

Colonel Marcus L. Brown

Superintendent

Maryland State Police Press Release01/14/2015 19:01

MARYLAND STATE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown announced late today he will resign his position to pursue other opportunities.

In a letter to Maryland State Police troopers and civilian employees, Colonel Brown said he is leaving with a ‘heavy heart,’ effective January 19, 2015. He thanked Maryland State Police employees for their outstanding service to the citizens of the state. “I am in awe of the successes you have achieved,” Colonel Brown said. “Nothing has been more impressive than the work you have done with our local and federal partners to make all Maryland communities safer. Over the past four years, you have helped reduce violent and property crime to historic lows. Homicides across the state are lower than they have been in three decades. More lives were saved on our highways during the period than ever before. If making communities safer and saving lives is our ultimate goal, which it is, your success is unprecedented.”

Colonel Brown also thanked sworn and civilian employees for working together to accomplish significant changes that have made the Maryland State Police more effective. While Superintendent, the State Police obtained new pistols for troopers, obtained a funding plan to replace the patrol vehicle fleet, transitioned to a new fleet of helicopters, implemented new radio and computer-aided dispatch/records management systems, and deployed the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort, or SPIDRE Team, a full-time unit of drunk driving enforcement troopers.

Changes were also made within the organization. The Special Operations Bureau was created and the Criminal Investigation Bureau was reorganized to prioritize the State Police mission of focusing on cross border and inter-jurisdictional crime. The Maryland State Police also pursued and achieved national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The Maryland State Police is now the only state police agency in the nation to hold the prestigious Tri-Arc Award, presented to police agencies achieving accreditation in law enforcement, public safety communication, and public safety training.

Colonel Brown prioritized community service and outreach for the Maryland State Police. Two years ago, he established the Superintendent’s Council of Advisors on Diversity and Inclusion, which includes representatives from the ACLU, the NAACP, the Maryland General Assembly, and local business and community leaders. This committee examines the Maryland State Police regarding unbiased policing, minority recruitment, and other related issues. Recommendations are provided regarding how the Maryland State Police can improve in these areas and promote positive relations with the communities that troopers serve. Colonel Brown established a partnership program with the State Police and the Maryland Food Bank. He also encouraged the formation of Law Enforcement Explorers posts to increase youth involvement with State Police.

“I am very proud to have led a force of dedicated troopers and civilian employees who commit themselves each day to doing all they can to fight crime, reduce traffic crashes, and protect our citizens,” Colonel Brown said. The 19th Maryland State Police Superintendent, Colonel Brown has served since being appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley on August 1, 2011.

We regret to inform you of the death of Faye Culler Dowell, mother of OS III Ellen (Vicki) Peranio on January 11, 2015. Our thoughts and prayers are with Vicki and her family at this difficult time. The following obituary information has been reprinted from the Moore Funeral Home website.

Faye C. Dowell of Denton, MD, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2015, at the Memorial Hospital in Easton, MD. She was 82. Born in Winston Salem, NC, on March 31, 1932, Mrs. Dowell was the daughter of the late Robert Walter Culler and Susan Lutitia Reich Culler. She has been a resident of the Homestead Manor in Denton where her husband, William “Sam” Dowell also resides. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Dowell is survived by her son, William Dowell, Jr. of Glen Burnie, MD? two daughters: Vicki Peranio (Vincent) and Tammy Stivers (Jerry), both of Denton? four grandchildren: Denise Richardson (Lance), Vincent Peranio,

Jr., Jerry Stivers, lll, and Wade Stivers? three great grandchildren: Paige and Garrhett Richardson and Lilly Stivers? a step grandson, Chris Cress and a step great grandson, Justin Cress? a son­in­law, Tom Cress? and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her siblings: Mary Ellen, Agnew, Bernice, Dick, Peggy, Imogene, Schelby, Jack, and Bobby? and her daughter, Kathy Cress.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, January 15th, at the Moore Funeral Home, P.A., 12 S. Second Street in Denton where friends may call from 11 to 12 before the service. The interment will be in the Denton Cemetery, 24865 Meeting House Road in Denton.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the Homestead Manor staff for their loving support and care.